Sheet-feeding method and means



J. C. THOM'.

SHEET FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.14, 1921.

Patented Aug. 8, 1922;

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SHEET-FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I4, 1921- Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

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APPLICATION FILED MAR-14. I921- 425 350 Patented Aug. 8, 1922,

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JAMES C. THOM, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 COMBINATIDN MACHINECOMPANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION 01% DELAWARE.

SHEET-FEEDING METHOD AND MEANS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8,1922.

Application filed March 14, 1921. Serial No. 452,391.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Janus C. THOM, a citizen of the United States, andresident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Sheet-Feeding Methodsand Means, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for feeding blanks orsheets and more particularly to a method and apparatus for successivelyfeeding individual blanks or sheets, such as labels, for application topackets or containers and has particular reference to the provision of amethod and apparatus of the nature referred to, in which sheets orlabels of varying dimen sions may be individually fed from a stack orpile in an eflicient manner and may be fed in centered or registeredrelation for application to the packets or containers.

In the art of labeling packets or containers, a series of label blanksor sheets placed in stack or pile formation, in a sup-- ply magazine,the labels being fed individually from the supply stack either from thetop or bottom thereof, the labels being then fed through an adhesivesupplying station where the labels receive coating of adhesive and to astation where the adhesively coated labels are applied to the packets orcontainers. The pile or stack of labeled blanks which are fed from themagazine is obtained by cutting a stack of large sheets having aplurality of label im )rints on each sheet, such stack being cut into aplurality of piles of labels equal in number, as is apparent, to thenumber of label imprints on such largesheet.

In order to have each label properly centered in the supply magazine andproperly fed in centered relation therefrom for proper registry with thepackets or con-- tainers to which such labels are to be applied, it isrequisite that all the labels should have the same dimensions in widthand length, guiding means, spaced such width or length in the magazinesbeing required to guide the labels in the desired centered andregistered position. It has been found, however, practically impossibleto attain this desired end, principally for thereason that it has beenfound impossible to cut all the labels to the same dimensions. It hasbeen found, for example, that after the cutting operation the "labelshave varying widths or lengths. This has been found to be especiallytrue with labels of relatively small dimensions such asare used forapplication to small packets or containers. With such relatively smalllabel blanks the percentage variation in they dimensions of the cutlabels assumes relatively large proportions, this resulting in numerousdefects in label feeding.

One of the principal defects in label feeding resulting fromthispractical inability to obtain constant dimensioned labels in the cuttingoperation lies in the failure to obtain eflicient selection ofindividual blanks from the label stack. As referred to above, the labelsare fed individually from the magazine for label coatingand labelapplication. This is usually accomplished by the.

provision of a picker operative for selecting a label either from thetop or bottom of the label stack, means being usually provided in themagazine for restraining label remov'al, such means functioning so as topermit only single sheets to be selected by the pickerand so as toprevent multiple sheet selection by such picker. Such means .usu allycomprises lips ,or flanges overhanging in the path of label movement andcooperating with the labels for preventing such multiple label selectionor removal. The amount or degree of overhang of the restraining lips orflanges forms a very im portant consideration. Such restraining means,for example, should not provide too large an overhang for the reasonthat too large an overhang will prevent, rather than restrain, labelremoval activity. All that has been found necessary for efficient labelrestraining activity is a very short overhanging lip or flange engagingthe label edge. For illustration it may be suggested that if the pointof a pin be ever so slightly bent, as by movement of the pin over arough surface, the resulting minute hook or overhang in the pin point issuflicient to grip the edge of a sheet for restraining movement thereof.It has been found, however, due to the variations in the dimensions ofthe labels used, that if a short lip or overhang be provided, althoughthe labels of larger dimensions, are effectively engaged and restrained,the labels of smaller dimensions will fail to be engaged by theprotruding lips with the result that the picker will properlyfunctioning as respects the smaller size labels, will prevent ratherthan restrain removal by the picker of the larger sizelabels, this alsoresulting in improper label feeding. The provision of a method and meansin which multiple label selection will be prevented and individual labelselection facilitated is, therefore, an obviousdesideratum.

Another principal defect resulting from the variation in dimensions ofthe cut labels lies in the failureto secure proper centering of all thelabels in the magazine stack and the failure to obtain as a consequenceproperly registered labels as applied to the packets or containers. Forthe purpose of accommodating or receiving all ofthe labels,

the dimensions of the magazine compartment or pocket should be as largeor larger than thelabel of largest cut dimensions. In such amagazinepocket it has been found that the labels of smaller dimensions aresubject to the liability of shifting to one side or of turning in themagazine within limits, this resulting in an improperly centered labelin the magazine a'nda selection, of such label'by the picker indecentered position. WVith the labels fed to the containers in thisdecentered position thelabels applied to the containers will be out ofregistry with the containerwalls, and where the container and label areboth ofsinall or nar row dimensions, an imperfect registry isconspicuously apparent. been found desirable to provide a method andapparatus whereby such labels may be properly centered in the magazineand may be properly fed for label registration.

The principal objects of my invention therefore include, in addition tothe provision of a method and means for feeding label blanks or sheets,the provision of such a method or means in which the blanks will beindividually fed in an efiicient manner; the provision of a methodandmeans of this type in which any label of a stack of labels of varyingdimensions may be individually selected in a facile manner, with theminimizing of multiple label selection or removal; the further provisionof such means in which any such label of a stack of labels of varyingdimensions may be properly cen- It has therefore tered in the supplymagazine and properly fed for registry in label application;-the stillfurther provision of "anovel form of label and novel guiding andcentering means associated therewith and the provision of such methodand means simple in structure and operation accomplishing the necessaryfunctions in an eflicient and facile manner. To the accomplishment ofthe foregoing and such other objects vas may hereinafter appear, myinvention consists-in the elements and their relation one to the other,7

as hereinafter particularly described and sought to be defined in theclaims, reference being bad to the accompanying drawings which show apreferred embodiment ofmy.

invention and in which- I Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stack oflabels showing excised portions therein in registering relation toprovide guide ways or channels,

Figure 2 is a plan view of apparatus used in g, parts being broken away,

Figure 7 is a plan view of the same, Figures 8 to 11 are diagrammaticviews of a label feeding apparatus showing the various steps duringwhich the labels are centered in the magazine and fed in centeredregistry relation for label application to a container, and

FigurelQ is a perspective view of a container with a registered labelthereon.

Before describing my apparatus and method in detail I will briefly statethe principles underlying my invention and the operative steps I employin providing for the label" selection and registration above referredto. The labels, after being cut in pile or stack formation, are fed intoa well or shaft, a series of oppositely disposed rotary cutters in theform of rotary saws being provided for excising portions of the labelsin the edges thereof as the label stacks are fed through the said wellor shaft. The labels, after this excising operation, are pro vided witha plurality of similar milled portions or saw kerfs, the registering sawkerfs of the superposedlabels in the stack defining a way or channeladapted as a guide for subsequent label centering and registration. Thedepth of the milled portions or detail of one of the magazine adaptedfor multiple label feedsa-w kerfs is predetermined such that all the.

label's, irrespective of dimensions, are provided with such saw kerfs.This is effected by so arranging the rotary saws that the distance- (asmeasured along a line, for example, parallel to a width or length of thelabel)- between the bottoms of saw kerfs in a label is less than thewidth of the label of smallest width in the stack, the distance betweenthe bottoms of such saw kerfs being equal in each label and being of apredetermined constant value. The excised labels are then, hand, fedinto a magazine provided witha p-lurality'of vertically'disposed guiderods havinga cross section preferably similar; to the cross sectionalconfiguration of the saw" kerfs, the guide rods being spaced in themagazine a distance equal to-the predetermined constant distance betweenthe saw lrerf bottoms; the guide rods and the guide channels provided bythe saw kerfs forming cooperating guiding elements for centeringeachlabelof-the stack in the magazine, this cooperation permitting ofregistry label feeding. Since each label irrespective of dimensions, isprovided with excised portions, it will be evident that the guide rods,will contact the edges-of each such label. I therefore further provideeach guide rod at an end thereof with a slight overhanging lip or flangejust sufiicient to perform. the label restraining function, it

being evident that such slight overhang will while at the same timepermitting with fa cility single label selection by the label pickerabove referredto. The labels, after being individually removed from themagazine by the picker, are then fed in centered relation in. anydesired manner to a label,

applying station. and the label-is there applied to a packet orcontainer in registered position, thereon;

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings.v the label stack 20 comprises aseries of superimposed labels L.. the widths or lengths of these labelsvarying in dimensions, as hereinbefore referred to. Each. of the labelsL is provided preferably with a. plurality of excised portions 21. theseexcised or cut out portions of the superposed labels registering,asshown. in Figure 1 of the drawings, such registration providingelongated channels or ways in the stack, these channelsbeing adapted forcooperation with guide means for the guiding and centering of the stacksoflabels in the. further use thereof. The excised portions 21 are pro.-vided in the edges of the labels and may be provided in, any spacedmanner desired. The preferred arrangement is shown in Figure 1-, in.-which. the cut out portions. 21 are arranged in. opposed: relationship,each.

label being thus provided with a plurality of sets of oppositelypositioned cut out portions. The cut out portions 21 are milled.

to a predetermined depth in the labels,.suchr that the distance (asmeasured, for example, between the bottoms of a set of. cut'out portions21, such distancebeing designated in Figure 1 as d) is less. than thewidth of.

the label of smallest width in the stack. Looked at from another aspect,the milled portions 21 are cut to such a depth such that each label,irrespective. of width or length,

as (Z equal in every such label. Although. I have shown the excisedportions as arranged in opposed relation, it willbeapparentthat' othermeans ofarranging the excised portlons may be provided, the principleinvolved being that each label be provided:

with a milled portion such as 21 to coop erate with other meanshe'reinbelow described; in detail for label centering and, registration.L

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, I have shown a means which may beused in providing themilled or cut out portions 21 in the stack oflabels 20. Such means may comprise a well or shaft 22, bounded by wallsthe walls being provided with a plurality of spaced slits or apertures24, in which rotate a plurality of spaced rotary cutters or saws 25 thesaws 25*extending into the well 22- a predetermined distance,

as clearly shown in- Figure 2 of the drawings'. 'The rotary saws 25 areso spacedly mounted as to provide the spaced. milled portions or sawkerfs 21 in a label stack 20. asshown in Figure 1; mounted on aplurality of shafts 26, journalled in a plurality of standards 27.mounted on the base plate-28=; the shafts 26 being 26 are each providedwith opposed thrust collars S0 for the purpose of preventing endwisemovement of these shafts in order to keep the end rotary saws 25 inexact centred position. are each provided with thrust" nuts 31 alsofunctioning to prevent endwise movement of these shafts and to maintainthe rotary saws 25' on these shaftsm properly cen-.

tered position. The rotary cutters or saws may be arranged or spaced inany desired The intermediate shafts 26- The cutters 25 are manner. thepreferred arrangement being;

shown in. the said Figure 2, this arrangein opposed relation to providethe saw kerfs in' s milaropposed relation, the distance between 'any twoopposed rotary cutters being equal to d and thusbeingequal to thedistance dbetween the bottoms of saw kerf 21..

The labels,atter they are obtained from the cuttingoit a large sheetcontaining the plu rality ot-imprints, are 'ted into the shaft or well22 and are tedin such shaft in centered position, the opposedly rotatingsaws 25 aiifh mg in centering any glVGHStELCk of labels ably by thewalls 33, the distance between opposing walls being large enough "toaccommodate the largest wldth oil label obtained by the prior cuttingoperation. The

magazine is provided also with a plurality of spaced guiding elements34, these guiding elements having preferably a crosssectionatconfiguration simllar to the cross sec- .tionalcontour of theQIQCISBtl portions 21 ot the labels; The guiding elements 34k in theformpre'lerably of guide rods, are arranged in thecompartment 32 similarto the spaced arrangement of the saw lrerfs 21 in the labels.Furthermore, the distance between any two opposed guide rods, 3a madesubstantially equal to the distance between the bottoms of set ofopposed saw lrerts 21.,

this distancebeing designated also as din Figure 3 of the drawingsltwill be apparent that whei'r a stack of labels containing labelsotvarylng widths istinserted from the top into the magazine compartment32, that.

the guide rods will receive the saw kerfs 21, the saw her-ts and theguide rods forming interengaging guiding elements, thisresulting in theproper superposed registra- .tion ot each label in the stack.Furthermore,since thedistance between any set of opposed rods is equalto the distance between the bottoms .ot saw lrert's, it will beevidentthat the guide rods 3% will contact a portion. of each label,irrespective of its width, thiscooperation resulting in the centering ofeach label both transversely and longitudinally in the compartment 32.

The interengaging cooperation between the guide rods 34; and the out outportions 21 of each label L affords a simple method and for"tacilitatingsingle label selection. To

for. preventing multiple label feeding in Figure a pl this endeach ofthe guiding elements 34 is provided-at an end thereof with anoverhanging lip or flange 35, shown in detail 5-01 the, drawings, thisoverhan being just suflicient for restraining labeil withdrawalflrom thestack in the magazine. i igure l 'ot the drawings shows the manner inwhichthe restraining lips 35 cooperate with the bottom label L of thestack. Since each of the, labels has a portion about the excised portionin contact with the guide rods 3st, the overhanging lip must cooperatewith every label in the stack, irrespective of the dimensions ol any onelabel. In this manner multiple label selection is avoided,

the overhang being just sufficient to restrain label withdrawal activitywhile not preventing label selection altogether.

in Figures 6 and 7 1 show the applica ition ot my registering methodandmeans in a multiple label magazine as used for feeding a plurahty oflabels for application to rality oi: containers, as disclosed in the(to-pending application otJonathanPeten son, EverialNo. 44:3,370, filedFebruary 8, 195 1. The magazine shown 111 Figure 6 con'ri a plurality ofcompartments 32,

'ises configuration land. having similarly spaced guiding rods 341-,each, of the guiding rods being prov ded preferably atthe bottom endthereof wlththe overhanging lips 35.

it will heapparentfrom Figure 7 that the labels L andfL in thesuccessive labelcompartmcnts will be substantially centered andgistered, irrespective of the varying widths ot the labels as shown inthe saidfigure.

"the labels are adapted to be fed from the bottonna suction picker 36being preferably used. torselecting the. bottom label of each staclr oflabels. The suction picker comprises a suction chamber 37 anda pluralityof piclter elements 38, each element 38 hav ings1; tion port'39openinginto the suction chamber 37; the said suction port 39 being openattheconcave face 40 0f the suc tion element 38. The picker 36 isadapted to be reciprocated to and tromtlielabel magazine lVhen thesaidpiclrer'is in a position ad acent the magazme, the suction inthechamber 37 communicating with the ports 39 will be operative forremoving the bottom label of each stack, the concave con tour of eachpicker element 38 facilitating ren'ioval oi the bottom label bypermitting curling thereof, each of the overhanging lips permittingaacuay of selection of such bottom label while restraining the nextsucceeding label from being removed during such selectingoperation. Thepickermechanism tormsno part of my present inven tion, as any means torselecting'each of the labels from the stack may be used, such pic K31mechanism being here shownior purposes of illustration only. It will bean t-illflll ot the compartments being. of similar parent that sinceeach of the labels is properly centered in the magazine, that the pickermechanism 36 will remove each label in properly centered relation forfurther label application operations.

In Figures 8 to 11 I have shown the method of label selection andapplication disclosed in the above mentioned copend ing application,Serial No. 443,370, this method being here shown for illustrativepurposes to further point out how the labels, after being removed incentered and registered relation, are registered with respect to packetsor containers for proper registered application thereto. In Figure 3 isshown the suction picker 36 referred to hereinbefore, a label L beingshown on the picker after removal therefrom from the magazinecompartment 32. As hereinbefore referred to this picker is adapted forreciprocating operation and when in descended position as shown inFigure 9, a horizontal reciprocating label remover 41 is moved inoverlying relation with respect to the picker 36; the said label remover41 also being provided with a suction box 42 and a series of suctionports 43 adapted, when connected to an exhaust mechanism, to remove thelabel L from the picker 36 when the suction box 37 is opened toatmosphere. The label remover 41 is then moved out of overlying relationwith respect to the picker 36 and moved into overlying relation with aseries of movable belts 43', 43 and 43 the label L being then depositedon the said movable belts. These belts are each provided with anadhesive coating, as shown, for example, in Figure 11 of the drawings,such adhesive coating being designated as 44 and 44 the labels, afterbeing deposited on the spaced belts 43, 43 and 43 receiving on theirunder side a coating of adhesive from the said belts in a manner as willbe apparent. The spaced belts convey the label to a label applyingstation, belt 43 before the label reaches the label applying stationbeing moved out of contact relation with the label, as diagrammaticallyshown in Figure 10 of the drawings. At the label applying station apacket or container C is moved upwardly into contact with the label L,the upward motion of this container effecting removal of the said labelfrom the spaced belts; means (not shown) being provided for applying thesaid label about the walls of the container C. After the feeding andlabeling operations a labeled packet or container is obtained, as shownin perspective in Figure 12 of the drawings, it being particularly notedthat the label will be produced in properly registered position on thelateral walls of the container, this resulting from the label centeringoperations and the feeding of the said labels in such centered orregistered position. Although I have shown in detail one method of labelselection and label application, it will be apparent that any othermethod or means for selecting the labels from the magazine and forapplying the labels to containers may be utilized, my inventioncomprehending the feeding of these labels into properly registered andcentered position in the magazine and the feeding of these labels fromthe magazine in such centered relation for registered label application.

The operation and use of my'method and apparatus will, in the main, beapparent from the above description. thereof. Each label stack 20 isprovided with a plurality of saw kerfs or milled portions by a millingmachine, as shown in Figure 2, each label of each such stack beingprovided as a result of this operation with similar saw kerfs; thesuperposed saw kerfs forming guiding channels for cooperation withsimilarly spaced guiding means 34 in the magazine compartment 32, thiscooperation between the guiding channels and theguiding means resultingin properly registered labels as regards width, length and height. Theslight overhanging lips 35 in each of the guiding elements 34 providemeans for effectively restraining multiple label removal and forefficiently permitting single label selection. The centered andregistered labels are then fed in such centered relation for registeredlabel application to containers and packets.

It will be apparent from the above that I have provided a method andmeans for feeding sheets in the form of labels so that such labels maybe individually selected in an efficient manner from the label source orsupply and so that the labels may be fed in properly centered andregistered position for application to packets or containers. It will bealso apparent that although I have shown my method and apparatusasapplied to label feeding, that such method and apparatus is applicablebroadly to all sheet feeding where similar problems of sheet selectionand registry are involved.

While I have shown my device in the preferred form, it will be obviousthat many changes and modifications may be made in the structuredisclosed without departing from the spirit of the invention, defined inthe following claims.

I claim:

1. A stack of labels comprising a series ofindividual labels of varyingdimensions, the labels being provided with registering cut out portionsin the edges thereof, the registering cut out portions defining a guidechannel means, the distance, in any one label, between the bottom of acut out portion in a label edge and a predeterminedpoint edgesin a labelof smallest dimensions in y the stack.

tering cut out portions defining guide channel means,the distance in anyone label,

between the bottom of a cut out portion in a label edge and apredetermined point in an opposed label edge being less than thedistance between the corresponding label edges in a label of smallestwidth in the stack. y

3. A stack of labels comprising a series of individual labels of varyingdimensions, the labels being provided with registering cut out portionsin the edges thereof, the registering cut out portions defining a guidechannel means, each label being provided with a plurality of cut outportions, the

distance in any one label, between the bottom of a cut out portion in alabel edge and a predetermined point in an opposed label edge being lessthan the distance between the corresponding label edges in a label ofsmallest dimensions in the stack.

4:. A stack of labels comprising a series of individual labels ofvarying dimensions, the labels being each provided with a plurality ofopposed cutout portions cooperating for label registration, thedistance, in any one label, between the bottoms of opposed cut outportions being less than the distance between the corresponding labeledges in the label of smallest dimensions in the stack,

5. A stack of sheets comprising series of superposed sheets of varyingdimensions provided with registering cut out portions in the edgesthereof, each sheet being provided with a plurality of cooperating cutout portions, the distance in each of the sheets of the series, betweenthe bottoms of a similar pair of cooperating cut out portions being of apredetermined and constant length.

6. A sheet blank comprising a body portion having a given configurationor body outline and provided with cooperat ng ex cised portions in theedges thereof, the said excised portions being formed by taking the saidblank having the given body outline and cutting into the bodythBI6OIll,ftl1 distance between the bottoms of a pair of cooperatingexcised-portions being of a predetere mined length. a

7. Alabel comprising a body portion having a given configuration or bodyoutline and provided with a cut-out portion in an edge thereof adaptedfor registration of the label, the said cut-out portion being formed bytaking the said label having the given body outline and cuttinginto, thebody there y.- r,t he distance between the bottom ofthe gout-out portionand agiven point in an op posed edge of the label being of apredeterinto the body thereof, the distance between the bottoms of a setof cut-out portions being of a predetermined length, the said set beingadapted for label registration.

9. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labelsof varying dimensions, said magazine including guide means for thesheets, the sheets being pro vided with registering excised portionsformed by cutting into the body of the sheets and defining a guide wayor channel cooperatingwith the guide means, the distance between thebottom of an excised portion and a predetermined point 111 a label bodybeing constant throughout the label stack.

10. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets orlabels of varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spacedguide means for the sheets,

the sheets being provided with similarly spaced registering excisedportions formed by cutting into the body of the sheets and definingguide ways cooperating with the guide means, the distance between thebot-- toms of spaced guide ways being constant throughout the sheetstack.

11. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets orlabels of varying dimensions, said magazine including inset guide rodsdisposed vertically in the magazine, the sheets being provided withregistering excised portions formed by' cutting into the body of thesheets and defining gif 'de ways cooperating with the guide rods, thedistance between the bottom of an excised portion and a predeterminedpoint in a sheet being constant through-out the sheet stack.

12. In combination, a supply magazine holding a stack of: sheets orlabels of varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spacedguide means for the sheets, the sheets being provided with similarlyspaced registering excised portions forming guide ways and cooperatingwith the guide means, the distance between the opposed spacedregistering excised portions forming 'guideways and cooperating with theguide constant length.

14. In combination, a supply magazine holding a, stack of sheets orlabels, said magazine including guide means for the sheets, the sheetsbeing provided with regis tering excised portions forming a guide way orchannel and cooperating with the guide means; the guide means beingprovided at one end thereof with a short overhang adapted to cooperatewith each sheet at the excised portion thereof to restrain withdrawal ofthe same from the magazine.

15. In combination a supply magazine holding a stack of sheets or labelsof varying dimensions, said magazine including opposedly spaced guidemeans for the sheets, the sheets being provided with similarly spacedregistering excised portions; forming guide ways and cooperating withthe guide means, the distance between the opposed guide means being lessthan the distance between opposite edges of any label in the stack; theguide means being each provided at an end thereof with a short overhangadapted to cooperate with each label at the excised portion thereof torestrain withdrawal of the same from the magazine, the constructionbeing such that a short overhang will suffice for cooperation with alllabels irrespective of the variation in dimensions of such labels.

16. In the the method of centering a series of superposed sheets orlabels of ing widths or lengths, the step which consists in excisingportions of the label edges to a depth such that each of the labels maybe contacted by a guiding element set into the guiding way formed by thesuperposed excised portions.

17. In the method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labelsof varying widths or lengths, the steps which consists in milling orsawing the superposed series of labels in opposed edges thereof to adepth such that each label irrespective of width or length is providedwith opposed excised portions.

18. In the method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labelsof varyingwidths or lengths, the steps which consist in milling orsawing the superposed series of labels in opposed edges thereof to adepth such that the distance between the bottoms of the excised portionsin opposec edges of each label will be of a predetermined constantvalue.

19. The method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels ofvarying widths, which consists in providing similar cut out portions ineach of the labels, in providing a magazine having guiding elementslocated at equal distances from a median line of the magazine and'inpositioning the series of superposed labels in the magazine, the excisedlabel portions forming channels for receiving the guiding elements.

20. The method of centering a series of superposed sheets or labels ofvarying widths, which consists in providing similarly opposed cut outportions in each of the labels, in providing a magazine having guiderods located at equal distances from a median line of the magazine andin positioning the series of superposed labels in the magazine, theexcised label portions forming channels for receiving the guide rods.

21. In the method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or'lengths into registering position on containers, comprising the steps ofexcising portions of each label so that the distance between the bottomsof the excised portions in each label is of a predetermined constantlength, providing guiding elements spaced a distance equal to suchpredetermined length, and feeding the labels between the guiding elements with the excised portions receiving the guiding elements, wherebyeach label is centered irrespective of its width or length.

22. The method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or lengthsinto registering position on containers, comprising the steps ofexcising portions of each label so that the distance between the bottomsof the excised portions in each label is of a predetermined constantlength, providing guiding elements spaced a distance equal to suchpredetermined length, feeding the labels between the guiding elementswith the excised portions receiving the guiding elements, whereby eachlabel is centered irrespective of its width or length and in thenfeeding each centered label into registered position for application toa container.

23. The method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths or lengthsinto registering position, comprising similarly excising portions ofeach sheet to provide a body portion in each sheet of predetermined andunvarying length, feeding the sheets at a sheet supply station with thesaid body'portion centered between guiding elements and feeding thesheets successively from said supply stationin centered and registeredposition to a second station.

24. In the method of feeding sheets or labels of varying widths orlengths into registering position on containers for application thereto,comprising similarly excising portions of each sheet to provide a bodyportion in each sheet of predetermined and unvarying length, and feedingthe sheets at a sheet supply station with the said body registration.

portion centered between guiding elements whereby the sheets arecentered for label in which means are provided for restraining multiplesheet selection, the method of restraining multiple sheet selectionwhile permitting ease of single sheet selection which consists insimilarlyexcising portions of each sheet suchthat each sheetirrespective of width or length is provided with such excised portionsand in feeding such sheets through restraining elements locatedin thepath of the excised portions of the sheets. i

Si ned at Chicago, 1n the county of Cook and tate ot Il1in0is, this 8thdey'of'Mamch A.D.1921; p p JAMESC. THOM.

